Sports / Marine Navigation
User Manual for Silva 100FC Marine Compass
Get the most out of your Silva 100FC marine compass with this quick guide. Learn about flush mounting, deviation compensation, illumination setup, and maintenance to ensure accurate navigation.
Quick answers from the manual
Quick answer
- This manual provides installation, compensation, and maintenance instructions for the Silva 100FC marine compass. p. 1
Key actions
- Flush mount the compass by drilling a 97mm hole, ensuring 60mm depth, and securing the base with screws. p. 1
- Perform compensation if deviation is more than 5 degrees by aiming the boat in cardinal directions and adjusting the N/S and E/W screws. p. 1
First start
- Ensure the compass is positioned away from magnetic sources, then flush mount it into a steady base with the boat symbol facing the bow. p. 1
Problems and fixes
Deviation error greater than 5 degrees
Perform the compensation procedure using the N/S and E/W screws to eliminate or reduce errors.
p. 1Maintenance and reset
- Clean the compass using a mild soap solution or detergent; avoid strong solvents like spirit, acetone, or petroleum. p. 1
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value | Meaning | Pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illumination | 12V (Red) | Built-in illumination | p. 1 |
| Mounting angle | pitch 0° to +15° | Allowed mounting angle | p. 1 |
| Weight | 668 g | Product weight | p. 1 |
Where to find it in the PDF
- Full Manual p. 1
Table of contents
Quick guide from the manual
The Silva 100FC is a marine compass designed for flush mounting on powerboats and sailing yachts. It features a built-in deviation compensator, integrated 12V illumination, and four lubber lines for multi-position reading. Before use, ensure the compass is mounted in a steady, horizontal position away from magnetic interference sources like loudspeakers or iron objects. Regular compensation is required if deviation exceeds 5 degrees.
Product Overview
The 100FC is designed for durability with a scratch-resistant acrylic capsule and a sapphire jewel bearing. Key features include:
- Flush mount design: Fits standard dashboards.
- Built-in illumination: Red back light (12V) for night navigation.
- Deviation compensator: Built-in adjustment for magnetic interference.
- 4 Lubber lines: Allows reading from different positions.
- Protective cover: Included to prolong compass life.
Installation
The compass is designed for horizontal flush mounting with a pitch angle of 0-15 degrees.
- Drill a hole with a diameter of 97 mm using the provided template. Ensure a minimum free depth of 60 mm behind the dashboard.
- Separate the base part from the top part of the compass.
- Place the base part into the hole, ensuring the foam gasket is positioned between the compass and the deck for water protection.
- Orient the boat symbol on the base part towards the bow.
- Drill 4 screw holes as per the template and mount the base using non-magnetic screws.
- Align the top part in the fore-and-aft direction and click it into position. Ensure the illumination cable is pulled through the base hole before mounting.
Compensation and Deviation
If the compass deviation is more than 5 degrees, compensation is required. Perform this in an area unaffected by magnetic disturbances:
- Aim the boat North and turn the N/S screw until the reading is 0 degrees.
- Aim the boat East and turn the E/W screw until the reading is 90 degrees.
- Aim the boat South. If the reading is not 180 degrees, turn the N/S screw until the error is halved.
- Aim the boat West. If the reading is not 270 degrees, turn the E/W screw until the error is halved.
- Repeat the procedure to verify values and create a deviation table.
Illumination
The compass comes with built-in 12V illumination. For 24V systems, connect a 270 ohm, 0.5 W resistor in series.
Maintenance
Clean the compass using a mild soap solution or detergent. Do not use strong solvents such as spirit, acetone, or petroleum. The unit tolerates temperatures down to -30 degrees Celsius, but avoid subjecting it to severe cold for long periods.
Technical Specifications
- Type: Sailing / Power boat compass
- Illumination: 12V (Red)
- Mounting: Flush
- Operating Temperature: -10 degrees Celsius to +70 degrees Celsius
- Weight: 668 g
- Card Diameter: 100 mm
Practical help
Common problems
Compass reading error exceeds 5 degrees
Perform the deviation compensation procedure using the N/S and E/W adjustment screws.
Magnetic interference affecting accuracy
Ensure the compass is positioned 0.5 to 1 meter away from iron objects, loudspeakers, windscreen wipers, and other magnetic sources.
Illumination not working on 24V system
Ensure a 270 ohm, 0.5 W resistor is connected in series with the 12V illumination.
Before use
- Verify the mounting surface is steady and horizontal.
- Ensure a minimum free depth of 60 mm behind the dashboard.
- Check for magnetic interference sources within 0.5-1 meter.
- Confirm the boat symbol on the base points towards the bow.
- Use only non-magnetic screws for mounting.
Specs in practice
- Pitch angle (0-15°)
- The allowable mounting angle range for the compass to maintain accurate readings.
- Deviation compensator
- A built-in tool to adjust the compass to compensate for magnetic interference caused by the boat's equipment.
- Lubber lines
- Reference lines on the compass that allow the user to read the heading from different positions.
Images and diagrams
- The mounting diagram illustrates the required 97 mm hole diameter and 60 mm depth for proper flush installation.
Model compatibility
- Available in MN, ME, and MS balancing versions.
- Operating temperature range: -10°C to +70°C.
Manual page author
David Miller
Documentation analyst
Organizes user manual content into clear summaries, with attention to model details, product context, and everyday usability.